The Hanger: Patrick Martin bags seven for Macleod, Northern Saints hand ladder leader a thumping and the VAFA enjoys representative success

WELCOME to The Hanger, your weekly look at all the biggest talking points in local footy.

Snap of the week: Daniel Scala celebrates a goal for Balwyn during its win over Noble Park on Saturday. Picture: David Woodhouse

NORTHERN Saints sent a message to their EDFL Division 2 rivals, Frankston YCW insists it can still win the premiership after four consecutive losses and Lower Plenty has moved to quash speculation its skipper had suffered a long-term injury. All that and more in this week’s edition of The Hanger.

AND DON’T MISS … part two of our special feature on the AFL stars powering local footy.

ESSENDON DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Saints put ladder-leader to the sword

Seldom does a ladder-leader suffer a three-figure defeat. But on Saturday a relentless Northern Saints monstered East Sunbury in EDFL Division 2, powering their way to a 109-point victory and firing a warning shot at their rivals in the process. The Saints piled on 21 goals to two after the first break to lift themselves to second on the ladder and give their home crowd at Charles Mutton Reserve plenty to cheer about. Northern Saints had stars in all parts of the ground with Christopher Sankovic, Daheg Abdul-Wahed, Mahmoud Taleb, Ahmed Abdul-Wahed, Moussa Sleiman and Ryan Lofaro named in the winning side’s best players.

Northern Saints’ Rocky Ferraro celebrates one of his six goals in his side’s romp against East Sunbury. Picture: Mark Dadswell.

NORTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Martin steals show for Macleod

After a week where his namesake Dustin Martin dominated the headlines, Patrick Martin bagged seven goals to launch Macleod to a 62-point victory over North Heidelberg. The Roos have won seven on the trot since being beaten in Round 1 by the Bulldogs and are on track to secure a double chance again in Division 1. Martin’s haul took him to 23 goals from eight games in 2018, the most of any Macleod player.

Macleod's Patrick Martin is mobbed by teammates after kicking one of his seven majors. Picture: Nathan McNeill.

BENDIGO FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Rival’s win boosts finals chances

A Gisborne win would rarely be good news for its rival Kyneton. But on Saturday, the Dogs’ upset 29-point victory over top-five side Golden Square helped the Tigers move six points clear in third spot on the ladder. Kyneton had no trouble disposing of Castlemaine by 128 points and will further enhance its claims for a double chance come finals if it beats Golden Square this weekend. Rhys Magin and Jake Ward were electric for the Tigers with eight goals apiece.

Rhys Magin has been in red-hot form for Kyneton. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

NORTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Bears dismiss Flynn speculation

While a knee injury is set to keep Lower Plenty skipper Patrick Flynn sidelined for another few weeks, the Bears have moved to quash speculation he would be out for the rest of the year. Flynn has been one of the players of the season to date in Division 2, but was injured against Banyule and missed last weekend’s win over Fitzroy Stars. His absence is a blow for Lower Plenty this week as it prepares to tackle fellow unbeaten side Eltham, but Bears coach Ben Turner insists Flynn’s injury is only “short-term”.

Lower Plenty says it expects captain Patrick Flynn will only be sidelined for a few weeks. Picture: Mark Wilson.

AFL YARRA RANGES: Finals contenders lining up

The AFL Yarra Ranges Division 1 ladder tightened on Saturday when a young Woori Yallock outfit upset reigning champs and ladder leaders Olinda Ferny Creek by 34 points. The clash finished 11.13 (79) to 6.9 (45) in Woori Yallock’s favour. Remarkably, top spot to seventh place are separated by just one game after seven rounds, with Olinda Ferny Creek leading the way and Monbulk in seventh spot.

VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION: Representative revenge

The Victorian Amateur Football Association gained a measure of revenge from the Adelaide Footy League for a defeat in Melbourne two years ago when it scored a thumping 50-point demolition of the Croweaters in Adelaide on Saturday. Led by Viv Michie, the ex-Melbourne and Fremantle midfielder, the Big White V stormed away to a commanding 20.20 (140) to 14.6 (90) win at Thebarton Oval.

The VAFA representative team celebrates its victory over the Adelaide league.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Stonecats still a finals threat

Frankston YCW coach Wayne Capp says his side can still win a fifth successive premiership, despite slumping to a fourth-straight loss on Saturday. The Stonecats went down to Sorrento, 12.14 (86) to 10.12 (72), in front of a big crowd at McFarlane Reserve. “Bloody oath, mate,’’ Capp fired back when asked if YCW can win the flag. “We haven’t seen anything to indicate otherwise.’’ A giant of peninsula footy, Frankston YCW has won seven of the past eight flags

Ash Eames of YCW busts through a pack during the Peninsula League Grand Final between Frankston YCW and Bonbeach played at Kars Park in Frankston on Sunday 17th September, 2017. Picture: Mark Dadswell